Welcome to God's Lemonade Stand

It is my hope that by reading this daily you will grow in your walk with Christ and knowledge of scriptures and be set free from any struggles in your life that are weighing you down. Be blessed to be a blessing.

Friday, September 30, 2011

TIME FOR GOD??

Excuses. We all have them. What is your reason for not being closer to God? Why don't you have devotions daily? Why do  you make time for hobbies, working out, reading books and visiting with friends but can't give God 5 minutes of your day and one hour on Sunday or another day of the week for Christian fellowship? Have you perhaps turned your back on God? Is He something you sort of add to your resume as 'follower of Christ' and conveniently name drop but really you do not do much more than just say "I believe in Jesus?" It is good to believe in Jesus but He is waiting to spend quality time with you too. Just as a friend wants to spend time with you to get to know you better, so too does God. Has something maybe happened in your life to turn you against God and fellowship with other believers? Why is it so easy to spend 3 hours at a sporting event, concert or play but then not be able to give the Lord one tiny hour of your time on Saturday night or Sunday morning? You work all week and you say you need one day to do what you want to do and unwind and sadly, for many, that does not include spending time in God's house worshipping Him. The lake is beckoning, the bike trails, the home repairs, the yard work, the Sunday brunch, the Sunday paper, the movie theater. If you would give God just those sixty minutes it  would surprise you to see you actually may have more time in your day. Sort of a principle of tithing your time. But certainly if you have a cold heart towards God and simply enter church and 'do your thing' for one hour and it means nothing then ask God to change your cold hard heart and soften it and give it a hunger for Him and his word. Find a church that is alive for Christ. Many churches nowadays have 3 or 4 services on Sunday to accommodate busy schedules and one on Saturday nights as well.

Revelation 2:2-4 says "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." Why forsake Him?  Jesus never did anything to you. He is here with open arms waiting to take you back. He is waiting for you to put him first in his life.

When one of my children was small he would say to us that he loved us 'one less than God' meaning God was first, then mom and dad. Oh, from the mouths of babes. Maybe formal religion and religiosity has turned  you off. Religion and legalism turns allot of people off,  but a personal relationship with Jesus and being alive in Christ does not. Yes there are 'dead' churches out there so you have to find one preaching the word of God and that is vibrant and exciting and makes you feel like worshipping the Lord. There needs to be a true passion for the Lord. What are you passionate about in your life?

Going to church each week helps us sort of recharge our spiritual batteries to be able to face what we will face during the week ahead. Reading your Bible also equips you to know how to handle and react to things that will come your way. But if you are not in church or not reading your Bible how will you be prepared to face the battles of your week ahead? You will hear the wrong kind of voices and it stands to reason if the Lord is not in your thoughts then the enemy can easily come in to your mind and distract you and lead you astray and get you to believe lies.

Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Proverbs 21:21 says "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor." Jeremiah 31:25 says "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."

If you are a parent praying for a child to return to the Lord and claiming Proverbs 22:6 that says "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" then in the meantime pray the prayer in John 17:15 which says "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." Also Ephesians 1:17 which says "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."

Sure it is possible to be a Christian and not go to church just like it is possible to go to church each week and not really be a Christian. It is all about where you heart is at and if you have truly asked Jesus to be your Lord and saviour. It is really hard to learn God's nature and character if you do not pick up and open up the word of God on a regular basis though. Try starting with the Psalms or the book of John. Do not let it scare you and make you feel you can not read it as you have not been to a theological institution. Many who have gone to these have not known the Lord. Going to Bible college or a seminary is not a guarantee of knowing the Lord. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Each day wake up with the knowledge that God loves you and has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life. He is waiting for you and knocking at the door of your heart. Won't you let Him come in?

PRAYER: My desire Lord is to know you better each and every day. My desire Lord is to be a light for you in a world of darkness and deception. My desire Lord is not to judge and condemn but to love the lost and be a beacon of your hope. My desire Lord is to show your joy to others. Keep me on the path of righteousness and help me resist the enemy so he will have to flee. Help me not be 'preachy'  and condemning to others but show your love to win the lost to Christ. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Enjoy this worship song: Give Me One Pure and Holy Passion . Click on link.

http://youtu.be/I17edLkBDCo

Thursday, September 29, 2011

GOD BLESS YOU!

Do you feel blessed? For those readers who live in America simply having what we enjoy here is a tremendous blessing. What is a blessing? It is approval and favor of sorts. Psalm 25:12-13 has something to say about how to receive blessing from the Lord. It says "who is the man who fears the LORD?   Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being,   and his offspring shall inherit the land." Psalm 112:1-3 further elaborates on the theme of blessing. It says "Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever."

Psalm 1:1-3 says "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like I  tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."

Do you delight in God and his word? By delight I mean do you desire to do what pleases Him and do you spend time in His word daily getting to know him better? Just walking in church one hour on Sunday is not taking delight in the Lord but it is meeting, what some feel, is an obligation. God does not want your legalistic obligation or he does not want you to see him as a 'duty' but He wants you to delight in Him. Do not compromise what you believe and do not squeeze God out of your day. Try waking up and saying "Lord I love you. Thank you for another day. Use me in someones life today."  Ask God to give you a desire for his word. He is waiting to bless you so take the time to get to know him better.
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PRAYER:  I need you in my life Lord. Forgive me for not wanting to spend time with you. I know the devil does not want me to know your word and it is easy to get lazy and just leave the Bible buried under a heap of magazines on my coffee table. I want to let you have control of my life and I want to be a blessing to those you put in my path. Thanks for your blessing. In Jesus name. Amen!

Note: Take time to click on link and listen to praise song 'Put the Drum Beat Back in My Heart'.
http://youtu.be/CoadbYfGH0U

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

LOVE IS ALL WE NEED

Everyone wants to be loved. Either by your boyfriend/girlfriend, fiancee, spouse, parents or friends. What exactly does the Bible have to say about love? We know the love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13 and what it says about love so let's review that right now. For those of you starting out in a new marriage you have the chance to start fresh and get it right. Start while you are engaged and keep it going . It isn't about the Hollywood love you see depicted in movies. If you set yourself using Hollywood standards as a role model , not only is a huge amount of it's content immoral, but you set yourself up for comparison and disappointments.

Love is not all the mushy movie stuff, but it is a choice at times, even when the feelings may not be there. Married love takes commitment. Too many people throw in the towel when they do not 'feel' a certain way. Love takes staying power. Love takes sacrifice and dying to self. For married couples, seek to be each others true best friend showing kindness, gentleness, and respect. Be sure to say you are sorry when you are wrong too. Keep your love foundation strong and sure so when storms come you can weather them successfully.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Really think of those verses and ask yourself if you are displaying the types of love above to those close to you in your life. The record of wrongs is an easy one to do that probably for most takes the most practice not to do. Dwelling on the past is something many people do. But if we focus too much on the past and hurts and faults then we are not complying with this Bible verse about 'keeping a record of wrongs'. Philippians 3:13 says "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
We are supposed to forget it and move on. For some that may be extremely hard especially if you have been hurt bad. If you keep a list of hurts then you are really not showing forgiveness. Some hurts may be pretty bad and for those you need to ask the Lord's help to forgive, forget and move on.

Many verses are in the Bible about various types of love. Most people are familiar with John 3:16 which says "for God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son for whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Ephesians 4:2 says "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." There is the 'bears all things' also found in First Corinthians. Do not get mad so easy. Blow things off. Learn to laugh.

1 John 4:7 says "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." If you are harboring a grudge against someone then you really are not showing the kind of love God requires of you. Some people may be in your life that are hard to show love to. Some difficult friend or someone who has hurt you. These are the ones you need to learn to 'love with the love of Jesus.". Some people can only be shown supernatural love if they are hateful or hurtful to you. But God requires us to love.

Your assignment is to continue to show God's love to those special people in your life and to try to love those who come across your path who are not so lovable as well. Through being able to do this we develop more of the character of Jesus.


PRAYER: Lord God help me to show your love to those close to me in my life and also to display Christ like love to even strangers who cross my path. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

BROKEN PEOPLE

All of us, if we are honest, have some dysfunction and issues in our lives. No one is perfect. God uses all things to redeem, restore, and rebuild lives.

Psalm 40:2 says "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."  Many people have to sink pretty low till they cry out to God, "save me oh Lord!"

Hurts occur, such as the pain of rejection for instance, be it from a spouse, friend, or a boss, to site  three examples. Sometimes, until a true painful need occurs, we just ignore God. Psalm 27:5 says " For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." God can fix a broken heart, broken life or a wounded spirit.


When you have a 'broken' friend they need your unconditional love, mercy and grace in order to start the healing process.  Broken people need a shoulder to cry on and a friend willing to listen.

Psalm 51:17 says "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 34:18 says "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 147:3 says " He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

There is always hope. Jesus is with you on your journey. The 'Footprints' poem is very familiar to most. As you may recall  there were two sets of footprints on the beach then only one. The person got a little miffed and said "Hey God,where did you go?" or something like that. Jesus said, " I was carrying you at those times there was only one set of prints."

Are you hurting today? Let God carry you through.

PRAYER: Father I know you can mend my broken heart. I rejoice as each day brings new hope and new joy. Father God I will resist the attempts of the enemy to drag me down in his pit and look to you and fix my eyes on you Lord. Thank you for lifting me up. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link below for an excellent praise song....You Raise me Up!

http://youtu.be/q1xNAZEkGj4

Monday, September 26, 2011

ANCHORED...NEVER SHAKEN

Sunday in church we sang this awesome praise and worship song whose lyrics said "I'm anchored never shaken". This is truly great and makes you feel so supercharged and like you can do anything while you are there worshipping and praising God. The real challenge lies whenever you exit the doors of the church and meet life head on during the next 6 days. Many things may come your way that are unknown to you at the time. Are you strengthened in your inner spirit enough to meet challenges head on and lean on God to get you through or will you become fretful and weak knee'd and lose your composure and not know how you will make it through the coming week? 

Life does present challenges. Anyone who says nothing bad has happened to them is probably living on another planet. James 1:3 says "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."   No one likes to endure suffering and heartache but every dark cloud eventually has a silver lining.

I  think of a potter who is making a clay pot.  The clay has to be molded and shaped until it is made into a beautiful vessel. This molding and shaping causes the clay to get beat around allot. The potter slaps the clay down on a table, hits it with his fist, rolls it over and over till finally he is ready to fire it. This firing process  puts the clay pot in a very hot furnace to complete it and make it a finished perfect product. Voila! A beautiful work of art is created after all this clay has gone through.

God is the potter and we are His clay. He shapes us into the beings he wants us to be. Sometimes the shaping may be painful. Romans 9:21 says "When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn't he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?" God has a purpose for each of us here on this earth. Do not fear the trials because God is with you and goes with you. Joy will come in the morning. There is a saying "if God takes you to it, He'll get you through it."

PRAYER: Lord have your way in my life. Forgive me when I complain or do not understand your purposes. It is my desire Lord to be content as the person you have created me to be. Thank you Lord for both good and bad because you do in fact work all things together for the good. (See Romans 8:28). In Jesus Name, Amen!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW

Do you have what you need in life to be comfortable? Most of us living in the United States do. We are truly a blessed nation. Even the poorest family here is better off than some in Third World countries. God has blessed us because we have honored and kept him first in this country. God does not call us to just sit around in a big cushy chair though. He wants us to get in the trenches and help others.

James 1:17 says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Psalm 136:7 says "who made the great lights--His love endures forever" God made all things. The sun, the moon, the stars, the rivers and streams, the oceans, the mountains, the trees, the flowers, the chirping birds, water to drink, air to breathe. He is the creator of it all! We have much to give thanks for!

Matthew 7:11 says "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
John 3:27 says "To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven." God is the giver or all things. In God dwells no bad thing. Certain people like to blame God for bad things that happen. God does not cause bad things but he can redeem them.

Some people may be overly blessed with an abundance of riches and as long as they do not worship those and keep God first that is okay. Isaiah 55:2 says "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." Matthew 16:26 says "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Just do not forget God if you start climbing the ladder of success. Deuteronomy 8:18 says "You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

Psalm 68:19-20 says "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. He that is our God is the God of salvation, and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death." I heard once of a prisoner of war who was saying if you had a doorknob on the other side of the door you had much to give thanks for. Think about that one. A door knob. You can open the door and leave and be free to roam about. A prisoner can not. Some people in other countries do not enjoy the blessings of the freedoms we currently do. Give God thanks each day when you wake up for the freedoms we enjoy in America. Evil forces are trying to take many of them away.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.  Do not start your day without saying something like "Lord I thank you for another day. I thank you for my health, my family, my friends and the material blessings you have showered upon me."

Lamentations 3:22-23 says "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lord you are good and your mercies do truly endure forever. Thank you Lord!

PRAYER: Father may I never take for granted the gifts you have given to me. Thank you for where you have placed me in life and thank you for just the gift of my family and my friends. Truly relationships are key to being fulfilled. But the best relationship and best gift is you Lord. Help me never to forget to wake up daily and give thanks. Shine your light through me and use me to help spread your love. In Jesus Name, Amen!.

Note: Click on link to listen to a wonderful praise song by Christian artist Matt Redman

http://youtu.be/7Qp11X6LKYY

Saturday, September 24, 2011

CHATTY CATHY

Sometimes we may have a problem with our mouth. No way! "Not me" you may say. But there are times when inappropriate words are said that hurt or wound people and after you have said them you wish you could have had duct tape to put over your mouth. It is a ongoing discipline to practice not talking all the time and being careful what we say.

Words build up and words tear down. Words praise and words condemn. Words heal and words wound. Words bring joy and words bring sorrow. Words help and words hurt. Words are kind and words are mean. Words are truthful or they are full of lies. Words show love or they convey hatred.

Psalm 19:14 says "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." When we utter words it can be direct face to face, over the phone, in a letter, or in todays' world ,the all popular emails and texts.  Before we rush into a conversation or a letter or email, especially over an emotional issue, it is best to stop and think and decide if it is really necessary to say something. Don't just blurt something out.

We probably have all been the victims of cruel words at the hands of a friend or former friend or a family member. Sometimes it is intentional and sometimes an accident. It is sure humbling to have to go back to someone and say "I goofed up, Please forgive me." But that is what the Bible says we are to do. Do not let something fester but go and ask forgiveness and heal the broken hearted person you have mistreated by your careless words. Luke 6:37 says "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Proverbs 31:26 is speaking to the ladies but men could gain something from it too. In describing the virtuous woman it says "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Do we stop and really think about what we are saying or are we in too big a hurry to get the words out or get the last word?

Matthew 12:36-37 tells us "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned".

The words out of your mouth indicate your character as well. Do you make it a habit to swear? Some people say a word is just a word? If that is true, why do movies have ratings based on language and other standards? Be careful if you claim to be a follower of Christ how you react daily to those in your path. You are His witness here on earth. Let's try to do a good job of that at home first and foremost and then out and about in the marketplace. No one wants to be 'beat up' with words. James 1:26 says "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."


PRAYER: Guide me Lord and teach me to watch my tongue. I do not want to hurt anyone with my words whether a loved one, friend or stranger. Help me remember that I represent you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Enjoy this song "Let My Words Be Few" when you have a moment to turn up your speakers. Be blessed.

http://youtu.be/12z4dvc2kjo

NOTE: Chatty Cathy was a popular doll back in the 60's. Pull her cord and listen to her 'rattle on'. That is where I got idea for this title.

Friday, September 23, 2011

TRAINING CAMP

What does it mean to train for something? If you are any sort of athlete you have to prepare yourself for your competition. An Olympian does not just show up at the Olympics and think they have any chance of winning unless they have prepared by hours and hours of physical training. Running a race such as a 5 or 10K takes preparation. You have to get up and get out of bed and get going. Goals have to be set and you have to keep striving to do your best. Training for a new job takes discipline of learning the ropes even if it gets hard and not giving up. Training is a disciplinary tool to get you to achieve a goal and have victory.

We are training to be disciples and prayer warriors for the Lord. We do not want to lose heart and give up. The enemy will try to discourage us and put thoughts in our heads that what we are doing does not matter in the big scheme of things, but it does. The world we live in is not on our side. We constantly will be fighting against anti Christian forces trying to snuff out anything to do with growth in Christ or speaking the name of Jesus. We are in a hostile world.

That is why it is vitally important to stay in your training mode. Train your mind to think good positive godly thoughts. Confess good things from your mouth. Keep on your knees in prayer. Do not give up. Wake up and start the day right. For the battles you will fight you need to equip yourself by getting into the word of God and knowing what it says about certain struggles you will encounter.

False thinking and false ideas will even come through well meaning believers. If you do not know what the Bible says about certain subjects you will start believing a watered down worldly version that may compromise the truth. Know that the enemy loves this. He loves it when he can get believers to believe the worlds lies. We are not of this world and are not to get sucked into the thinking of the world. It is hard not to, unless you are daily reading your Bible.

2 Timothy 2:15 says "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  1 Timothy 4:8 says "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Now this is not an excuse to get fat and not take care of temple of God but it is saying spiritual exercise is more important and has greater eternal value. 2 Timothy 3:15 says "and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." Seems like when our children leave the nest and head for college or wherever life takes them they start listening to other voices who get them to doubt God and question the Bible. Many leave the faith to the great despair of their parents. Keep in mind that you knew the truth and the enemy caused you to believe seducing spirits and lies. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 says just this "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." When you do not saturate your mind with truth and if you do not stay in fellowship in a good church or wake up and have devotions it is easy to get spiritually flabby and to not care anymore.


1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." You will have temptations. Things will try to come get you off course. You might fall away for a while. But keep looking to Jesus and resisting the lies of the enemy, Satan.

When you  worry you need to instead start being a warrior and soldier for the Lord. When you feel like your prayers are not being answered just hang on. Keep fighting the battle, keep praying and keep looking to Jesus the source of your strength. Despairing parents and others who feel like quitting your training program just remember what it says in Luke 18:1 and that is "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

PRAYER: Father I want to train to be in spiritual battle. There are days I wake up feeling no desire to open your word and study. Father I know this comes from the enemy as he does not want me equipped for the spiritual battles we face daily. Father help me to stay motivated and encouraged in my spiritual training program. If I am a parent help me release my children to you and ask that you guide them into all truth and keep them on the right path with a desire to love and serve you . Protect our minds from false teachers. In Jesus Name. Amen.

FURTHER READING: Romans 1:18-32

NOTE: When you have time listen to another wonderful praise and worship song I have included below. Click the link and worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/IpzELELQ300

Thursday, September 22, 2011

WE ALL HAVE SINNED

 No one is perfect. If you think you are look out.1 Corinthians 10:12 says "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"  It says in scripture that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". (Romans 3:23). There is not a big giant list of best and worst sins. Sin is sin is sin. Sin is mocked by many comedians and others who think as long as people are good, God is going to let them into heaven whether they repent or not. No one should want anyone to go to hell. It is an awful place. 2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 1 Corinthians 6:11 in mentioning a huge list of sins says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Every day when we live life we are bound to have the chance to sin. Things like lying for instance. Yes,even those little white lies are lies, and lying is wrong. Swearing is wrong or even thinking swear words. Being envious of others things is wrong as God does not want us to covet. Looking on a woman or man lustfully is a sin.Scripture says doing this you have already committed adultery with them in your heart. Ouch! (See Matthew 5:28). Hating your brother ,meaning a friend for instance, is as bad as murder according to God's word. (See 1 John 3:15). This is all in the Bible. Being mean to people is not Christlike either. Unforgiveness is a sin.

Many people do not believe the Bible or choose to pick out which parts to ignore and justify as old fashioned or written back in another time for another purpose. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever". We are in a spiritual battle of good and evil here on earth.  There is God and there is Satan. We are told in scripture to run from sin and also that there is no sin that is so great we can not resist its temptation. Hebrews 12:1 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Satan will lie to you and deceive you and make you almost get mad at God because he, the enemy, wants you to think what you are doing is perfectly okay.Who do you believe? The prince of darkness or God?

 The problem is, sin of many types is fun, and people do not want to quit. Take the Hollywood movies for instance. It is becoming rather common place in films to have 'one night stands' with a girl or guy with no consequences. But there are many consequences! First God designed sex for within the confines of marriage between a man and a  woman. This is not a fairy tale but it is in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." When you are in a situation that tempts you get away from it! Know that God does not tempt you, but it is from the enemy.

You know the saying "if you play with fire you will get burnt?" We can only disobey God so long or deny what we are doing is wrong. It will catch up with you. Numbers 32:23 says to us " But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out." You can run and hide and deny things but you will reap what you sow. God loves you and he wants you to seek to lead a sinless life. But this world will have many temptations to throw out at you. You have to want to do what is right in God's eyes. And how do you do this? By staying in the word and believing what it says.

Matthew 7:13 says "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." God is ready for you to come to Him. He loves you and wants you to follow Him. Psalm 119:9 says "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."

Part of the Lords' prayer in Matthew 6:13 says "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' Beware because the enemy does not like it when the truth of God sets you free. Be strong and run from Satan and run back into the arms of God.
That about wraps it up. None of us are perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. God can redeem and restore you. Let Him.

PRAYER: Dear Lord I ask that you reveal to me anything in my life that is not pleasing to you and help me to repent of my sins and follow you. Forgive me when I  have listened to the voice of the enemy or the world instead of your voice. I want to stay on your path from now on so give me the strength to do so.Help me not judge those caught up in sins because there is a finger pointing back at me when I condemn others. Help me to show unconditional love to all people.Help me extend mercy to the sinner and love them as that is what you would do. Give us all the strength to 'go and sin no more'. In Jesus Name. Amen.

NOTE: Once again take the time to listen to the following worship song below by clicking on the link. It is familiar to many who listen to contemporary Christian radio stations. Called Revelation Song. Let it speak to your heart.

http://youtu.be/gSiUSLNyJhA
  

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

This verse is found in Psalm 46:10. Have you ever given much thought to what it can truly mean for you?

Be still. Do not always be frantically running all over the place.

 Be still. Do not be fretting about things you have given to the Lord in prayer. God knows the 'big picture'.

Be still. Stop stressing over what has not happened yet and continue to believe God and pray.

 Be still. Trust God has a distinct plan for your life and even though things may look bleak now they can and will change.

 Be still. A bad medical diagnosis has sent you into a tail spin. Hold onto God.

 Be still. The country seems in turmoil and you are worried freedom is being taken away. God is in control and has a plan.

 Be still. When a hopeless situation in your family seems like it will never turn around. God knows and God cares. The end of the story has not been written yet.

Be still. When the trials of life are pressing down on you and you feel like you can not take anymore. Peace be with you. Trust in the Lord.

Be still. When you get a situation at work where you are fearful of losing your job. Jesus knows and he is with you and will walk with you.

Be still. When storms threaten and you take shelter to protect yourself and your family. God is your protector.

Be still. When friends walk out on you for no apparent reason and do not like you anymore. God is your best friend!

Be still. When ugly words have been said about you. God loves you and would never talk mean to you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight."

Somewhere I saw this written and unfortunately I do not know who to give credit to but "there is no wall too high for God not to be able to tear down or too twisted for Him to not be able to straighten." Lots of bad stuff may be going on with you right now but keep praying and keep believing that God will get you through and you will have victory or your family member will. Isaiah 43:2 says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

PRAYER: Father comfort those today who may be going through an awful trial in their life or are fretting over a situation that is out of their hands. Help them to pray to you and give the situation to you and let it go and let you take the controls. It is so easy to worry but Lord I want to give everything to you. Help me do this. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

GOD CAN BE YOUR LIGHT BULB

When you walk in a dark room what do you normally do? You turn on the lights. All of a sudden light pierces the darkness and shines into the room. You can see where you are going and do not stumble and fall over things. Light illuminates and gets rid of the dark. Just like in camping where at night if you walk around you will bump into trees and things in the woods unless you have a flashlight or lantern. No one wants to stumble in the darkness. The dark can scare people. Light takes away fear.

In the Bible light is represented by God. God is truth and light. He is the source of all good. Satan is darkness and the source of deceit,thievery, lies, trickery, and all that is wrong. In the world we live in we are in a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:10-17 says " Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." 

Do not let Satan trick you , lie to you and defeat you. Let Jesus' Light shine into the dark areas of your life. Read the word of God and let it shine truth into all corners of your life. Stay on your knees in prayer. Do not try to justify sin but acknowledge and turn away from sin and be set free. We know the enemies purpose is to destroy us and 'take us out'. He wants to 'disable' the Christian and he also wants other believers to judge those who have sinned and not be kind and merciful to them. Be set free and be restored. Seek the truth and run to the light and get out of the darkness. The enemy is the great deceiver and is called 'an angel of light' . 2 Corinthians 11:14 says "No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light". If the devil came to you dressed evil and ugly you would run, but he is crafty and has multiple tricks to lead  you off God's path. Be aware and pray that God would open your eyes to wrong thinking and tricks of the enemy.

John 1:1-5 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Read the rest of Chapter 1 of John when you get a moment. John 8:12 says "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Walk with Jesus, stay in His word and you will know the truth and be able to walk in the light with Him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to walk in the light and recognize the tricks of the enemy. Give me discernment to know good from evil and  wrong from right. Today the enemy has many tricks and can even lead the believer off course and get he or she to believe untruths. Keep me knowing the word so I will know the truth. Thanks for shining your light into a dark world. In Jesus Name. Amen.

NOTE: Take a moment and listen to the following worship song when you have a few moments. Listen to the message in the words. Click on the link.
http://youtu.be/w5Iot9gNOWQ

Monday, September 19, 2011

LIVING FOR GOD

Do you truly live for God? When someone asks you if you are a Christian do you say something like "I am religious, I am spiritual"  or answer by telling what church  you are a member of?  Living for God is wanting to do all things to please Him. It does not mean you will lead a boring life but a life of freedom in Christ. Many people 'do the right thing' on Sunday like their parents taught them and go to church. Check that block off for the week. But then Monday comes or even Sunday afternoon and Jesus is put back on the shelf til 11:00 on the following Sunday morning only to go through the same 'church ritual' with no excitement or passion over and over and over again. Do you feel like this describes you? Do you desire to get excited about being a Christian and loving Jesus?

This weekend I was blessed by a friend with a free ticket to see country singer Taylor Swift in concert in Nashville. It was a fun experience. I was struck by the excitement of the crowds when Miss Swift stepped out on stage. People literally went nuts screaming, raising their arms in the air, yelling "we love you Taylor". It made me think about how people can get excited at concerts and sporting events but then do not get excited at all about worship music or worship on Sunday. Part of the problem could be you are not in an 'alive' church that gets you excited about loving Jesus and serving him. I am not intending to trash churches or denominations but simply saying we must first have a changed heart that truly loves the Lord then get in an exciting church that makes you want to serve Jesus and not just because it is the thing your family said was right to do on Sunday. Be more than a 'Sunday Christian'. Being a Christian is not like being in a club although many seemingly treat it that way. There are those who go to church somewhere only because their momma went there and then their momma before that went there and so on it goes. Find a loving church that is full of grace and truth and alive in Christ and is growing. Find one that reaches all ages and can minister to the young and the old. This is  part of what  will help you live for God.

Psalm 119:9 says "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word." Really that is the only way to know about God and learn to live for Him is to get into the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 says "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." A little bit of bad behavior here, a little white lie, hanging out with the wrong people and doing stuff you know in your heart is wrong will eventually catch up with you. 1 John 3:6 says "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." Today certain 'sins' are brushed under the carpet as not politically correct to classify them as sin. People say "This is 2011. Times change". The next new word is tolerance. We will tolerate what we know to be wrong and twist scriptures to justify some behaviors. In the end we answer to only one person and that is God Almighty. There is no changing or twisting the word with Him. The way to gauge it is by the verse in 1 Peter 1:15 which says "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do." Really ask yourself if the behavior in question is pleasing to God and if you can honestly answer  yes in your heart then it is between you and God. We need to strive to be 'dead to sin' and alive in Christ.
 No true believer purposely sins.The Bible does say in Romans 3:23  that we all have sinned. Later when you have time read Romans Chapter 6.  If you stay in the word you will know what sin is and you will better understand how to live for God. You may try to justify sin but sin is sin. In Number 32:23 is says "Be sure your sins will find you out". Run from temptation.  Being unethical, immoral, a liar, a gossip, or even being a glutton can be a sin. No one of us is perfect but we are striving to be like Christ. Do not judge your brother because all of us are guilty. You can say you are saved, but if you willfully are sinning and know in your heart it is wrong then it is time to turn away and repent. If this is you ask God to help lead you and direct you and help you run from sin. Stay away from whatever it is that is causing you to fall into a certain sin. Be honest with yourself and with God. Run from the 'enemies camp' and run to God!

 If you say you love Christ then act like Christ. If you do not stay in his word or pick and choose what to believe then you are not truly following him. Sin is fun but if you are habitually sinning and denying it you must ask yourself do you really love the Lord. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:25 that  "There is pleasure in sin for a season." After that the guilt and shame set in.

 Get into the word of God.  Find a church that preaches the word as well as showing mercy and grace to the sinner . James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." If you say you love the Lord then get rid of those sins that are dragging you down. Don't 'air brush' sin and run away from God. Acknowledge your sin. Sin has consequences.Run to God and and live for Him!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus my desire is to please you in all that I say and do. I ask you to remove any temptation from me that is separating me from you. Help me to recognize the enemies tricks and lies in making me justify my sins. I want to live for you and serve you. Satan is a liar and tries to steal my life by tricking me into justifying bad things. Father I resist the enemy and want to live for you. In Jesus Name,amen!


Note: Listen to the following worship song by Rush of Fools. Click on link below. Be blessed.
http://youtu.be/Jo8dgK4RvWM

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Communion: What's It All About Anyway?

COMMUNION..WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?

What does the Bible say about communion? First we know it represents the body and blood of Jesus and is called 'The Lords' Supper' even though not administered at the traditional suppertime hour. Now no need to get legalistic over the technicality of a word and say "oh we better meet at suppertime then or God won't be pleased."

Different denominations have different man made rules and interpretations concerning this Holy sacrament but the one thing in the Bible I always read before I partake of communion is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. First in verses 23 thru 26 it says "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
 
But continue on to the next few verses and perhaps many of us shouldn't always partake just because it is the thing to do. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 says "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.  For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." Many children are given communion by their well meaning parents but are their child like minds able to understand the meaning? Not judging but suggesting something to ponder.

Basically if you are flippantly just going to the altar or taking the element as they are passed down the aisle but have unforgiveness in your heart towards  someone that is wrong according to this scripture. Examine your heart. Maybe you should not take it that particular day but instead silently pray for God to purify your heart and to heal any broken relationships you may have.

Churches have split over issues like communion, baptism, membership and even color of the carpet. Jesus is probably just shaking his head as Satan gets credit for splitting the body of Christ. Too much legalism can seep in and take the joy of the Lord right out of the church. 

Before you reach for the communion cup next time it is offered be sure to get things in your life right with God before you partake. This sacrament is special and set apart and should not be taken lightly. 

PRAYER:  Search me God and cleanse me from any wrong ways or thinking in my life. Make my life acceptable in your sight. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Saturday, September 17, 2011

BIBLE VERSUS CELL PHONE

 Which of these is more important to you, your Bible or your cell phone?  Recently I saw a church sign that said 'Keep your Bible as Close as Your Cell Phone' but do we do this? My guess is no. A majority of people feel the Bible is just some historic book and could not imagine sitting down and actually enjoying reading it. It is placed in the waiting rooms of doctors offices but probably rarely picked up. Beauty shops have tons of hair magazines and movie star magazines but no Holy Bible. "Why do they need to?" you may say. "You are judging them". The intent is not to judge and condemn but to simply make a point about how we are glued to our 'communication devices' but the one person we should communicate with, that being Jesus, rarely gets our attention. Most of our problems could be solved if only we lived by the things we read in God's word. Satan, the great deceiver, wants you to believe lies, and you will, if you do to know how to counter those untruths by the truth in the Bible.

 How do we change this habit of making a 'god' out of our cellular devices? First, if you have a small Bible carry it in your purse. If you have to wait somewhere get it out and read it. Do not be ashamed (see Mark 8:38) or care what people think. Most modern cell phones are connected to the Internet so you could even read the Bible right on your phone. I noticed a girl in church doing this last Sunday. Imagine that?
 How often do you witness people who seem that they can not put their cell phone down?  It is attached to their belt, even in church. Most people will not take a call in church. Back before cell phones, doctors wore pagers in case they were called out for an emergency,  but for the rest of us life could wait. What is so urgent that we have to stay glued to our cell phones?

 For those people living in Northern Alabama on 27 April 2011 we found out we could live without cell phones. There was no choice for a while. The tornado had taken our communication away for a time being. Guess what? Life went on! Amazing but possible. Life was better for some as they communicated with their families by 'talking' in person and played old fashioned board games. In some ways the lack of power was a huge blessing, not an inconvenience. So do you like your Bible as much as you like your cell phone? It has more to offer you.

 The Gideons make pocket new testaments that are small enough for a ladies purse or a gentleman's back pocket. 2 Timothy 2:15 says for us to "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." To study you need to actually pick up your Bible. A suggestion would be to make it a habit before retrieving the morning paper to sit down with a cup of coffee and open up the Bible and read a Psalm or two to start your day off.

Start today to adjust what you do and try and see if you can leave your cell phone put away and do not drag it with you everywhere like a life support system. Begin your day thanking Jesus for another day and read the Psalm corresponding to whatever day it is to start out. See how your life will change. Psalm 18:3 says " I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies."

 PRAYER:  Thank you for the miracle of modern day communication. Lord help me not worship my cell phone by paying more attention to it than I do getting to know you through your word. I know certain calls are important but give me the ability to put my phone away every now and then and sit quietly in your presence. In Jesus name, amen!

Friday, September 16, 2011

MIND FOOD

What type of things do you feed your mind on? Have you heard the saying "garbage in, garbage out"? The first thing in your day are you more concerned with the morning news on TV and the newspaper in your driveway or getting to know your Lord and saviour?The news is temporal and most times bad, but the Bible is filled with good news. If we constantly feed on a diet of bad news, bad TV, bad movies, bad books, and gossip magazines what do you suppose will happen to our mind? It stands to reason you become the kind of person that you are constantly feeding your mind on. If you constantly hear bad news and it drags you down your spirit will be drug down as well.

As a believer you have to purpose in your heart and make a decision to think on uplifting thoughts. Romans 12:1-2 is a good scripture to commit to memory and it says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." It is easy if we get saturated by the world to start thinking like the world. Someone once said "Well do not be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good" but yet we need to stay walking with the Lord and connected to the power source to keep growing in Christ. We are not to become puffed up and self righteous acting like we are better than others either.

1 Corinthians 2:16 says "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ." Just think of that! The mind of Christ. Do you suppose Christ wants to watch dirty movies, read all the Hollywood gossip, get caught up on trashy novels, catch His favorite soap opera and watch talk shows? What is needed is a balance in life on what you should feed your spirit with and what needs left out in the compost pile.

Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

PRAYER:  Lord I want my mind to think the thoughts you think. I want to wake up each day full of joy and ready to make a difference in someones world. Give me balance in my daily activities and discernment in what I choose to take into my brain. In Jesus name. Amen!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

HOSPITABLE PERSON OR ENTERTAINER?

Do you know the difference between being hospitable or entertaining people? Many people have grown up used to having folks in their homes all the time. It could be students after school, a sports team, cast of a play, youth group, missionaries, bosses, or simply just good friends coming over. For many, it may be a huge ordeal and make you stress to think about what to have, what to wear, cleaning and preparation. The difference is do you think about an informal gathering with your  guests being hospitable to them or do you feel you have to  put on some sort of show?

Proverbs 15:17 says "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." This verse says to me it is better to serve hot dogs and potato chips and be relaxed than to stress out trying to make it all perfect.  Proverbs 17:1 says "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife." Ecclesiastes 4:6 says "Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." Remember Martha and Mary when Jesus was coming for a visit? One of them was all stressed and running around in a tizzy and the other was saying in effect "Chill out, calm down". You can read it in Luke 10:38-42 and as you may recall Mary was calm wanting to visit with Jesus and listen to his teaching and Martha was all sort of 'strung out' fretting over the preparations to make things in her estimation, perfect.

I feel friends, or strangers, would rather have you peaceful than all strung out and not able to enjoy their visit. There are rare exceptions of those whose talent and gift lies in doing lots of fancy preparations and it does not phase them but for the rest of us try to calm down and be hospitable. Do not worry about the 'dust bunnies' or a magazine out of place. Try to relax and enjoy your company. Do not feel you have to try out some new recipe to impress someone. If someone drops in you did not expect be a servant of the Lord and put on an extra plate and serve them what you are going to eat. I remember an incident several years ago with country spare ribs and a drop in guest. This is something I serve on New Years but during the year I would not think of it as supper guest fare. But we had a surprise visitor and I hardly had enough for three people but I prayed over that crock pot and the dinner and I had more than enough to spare and as I recall we enjoyed our visit. The gentleman, who was an Army friend of my husbands, loved the ribs too. How about that?

Remember the command to entertain strangers too? You never know when one might be an angel. Matthew 35:35 says "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in." Do not wait for a special occasion and if you are able help someone. Once in the middle of the night a friend called us cause his car had broken down and needed help. I thought of the Bible verse that said 'if a man comes to you at midnight for bread do not turn him away." Luke 11:5-8  says "Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’ “Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs."

Are you that midnight friend, the drop in brother, the unannounced employee from out of town, the needy stranger? Hebrew 13:2 says "Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." Do not worry about fine china, special gourmet food or all the preparations. Relax and give it to God. There will be times you need to 'entertain' but better to be 'hospitable' for the Lord and enjoy your time with your guests.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, I thank you for the abundance of food I have and for the ability to cook. I thank you for the home you have provided for me. Help me Lord to look for opportunities to open my doors to not just friends but to those who need a friend. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Book Recommendation: 'Open Heart Open Home' by Karen Burton Mains. It spoke to me several years ago and perhaps it will speak to you.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

STAY PLUGGED IN

As I sit here and type on my laptop computer in a local coffee shop my power is going down. I glance around and the only two electrical outlets in the entire store are occupied. It looks like unless someone leaves, my writing will end sooner than I wanted. This reminded me of a greatest power source, the Lord Jesus Christ.

If we in turn do not stay 'plugged in' to our power source, Jesus, by fellowship and reading the Bible we too will not have the power in life to be effective witnesses for Him. Our excitement will wane and we will be tossed about by many things when we are not anchored and plugged in to Jesus.

Start each day by saying "Thank you Lord for another day." You may wake up gloomy and many concerns on your 'plate' but here in America most of us are better off than the rest of the world. Try saying things out loud and it really makes you feel better. Say according to Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." According to James 4:7 "I will resist the enemy and he has to flee." According to Romans 8:16-17 it says " I am an heir of Jesus." I am his child. He loves me!

The enemy would like nothing more than to 'disable' you emotionally and spiritually to make you a weakling for the kingdom. You are a child of God if you have asked Him into your heart and his power lives inside of you. Do not believe the enemies lies. Find an uplifting Christian radio station that plays praise and worship music. If you do not have one in your area try http://www.klove.com/ and you should be able to listen online.

Remember though you can not stay super charged for Christ if you do not stay connected to the word of God to feed your spirit and recharge your spiritual batteries.

PRAYER: Lord I want to be charged up for you. Some days I may wake up and the enemy tries to get me down in the dumps. I say to him, flee in Jesus Name. Your word is mighty and power and I thank you for the privilege I have of owning a Bible. Now help me pick it up and read it daily to stay charged up for Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

CRAZY WORLD

For fearful people who believe in doomsday predictions there has been enough in last few weeks to keep their panic buttons active. There are worriers out there that think the end of the world is right on our door steps. Many fear meteors will crash to the earth and kill them. There are those who worry about diseases overtaking us. We know the end times are upon us but no one knows when. Scripture tells us that. Matthew 24:36-40 says "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father.  As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;  and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. " We just do not know when. That is why we need to be ready for when it does happen. Sometimes you hear of those who make light of 'the end' or 'disaster' by throwing a celebratory drunken party like being hurt or killed  is something to look forward to. I guess to unbelievers being with Satan sounds like fun.

Do not be scared but be ready. If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your saviour and he is Lord of your life then you can know you will be transported to your heavenly mansion in heaven for eternity. Our minds can not wrap around the idea of eternity but for those who say, "That is boring. I do not want to wear a white robe and play a harp forever. I would rather keep partying". A surprise awaits these folks since I do not feel there will be a toga and keg party where they are headed. We should not want this to happen to anyone. Jesus does not desire anyone to go to hell either.

Psalm 73:26 says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever". Some day we will all die. All the crazy stuff in this world down here will be a thing of the past. All the things we worried about will be gone. Everything here is so temporal. Our life is like a vapor it says in James 4:14. "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Psalm 102:11 further states the same thing "My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass."

What are you doing to make a difference in someones life while you are here on earth? Are you only living for your own pleasure or do you try to find a way to make an impact on the lives of others? Just something to think about.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for another day of life. Thank you Lord for the way you provide for me. Help me not be selfish but find someone to help even today. Let me shine Jesus light on someone who needs a kind word or smile today. Strengthen me to impact the space on this earth you have placed me in. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Click on link to enjoy  'Revelation Song'. Be blessed today!
http://youtu.be/ofNBuMdrbcg

Monday, September 12, 2011

PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES

We have just passed the tenth anniversary of one of the most horrible events in American and perhaps world history when thousands were killed on September 11,2001 in the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and a downed flight in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many are angry and hurt, and rightfully so ,but do we hold on to that hate and anger or do we try to move on and do what it says in God's word? Hating is easy but truly praying and loving your enemies is a  whole 'different ball game' so to speak. It takes a strong person to not hate someone who is doing them or their country wrong. We do cherish our freedom here and we know still today forces are working even within our own country to try to 'take us out' but we also know what the Bible says about loving those who hurt you. Only through the miracle of God's spirit living inside of us could we reach out to those who have hurt us. Perhaps that is one  of the challenges for us as believers to truly be able to forgive and move on.

A few years ago I remember hearing a story about a person who went to a prison to visit and witness and and ended up witnessing to her daughters' killer without knowing it.  Also I heard of a Pearl Harbor survivor who later forgave and befriended a Japanese soldier who was part of the attack on Pearl Harbor back on 7 December 1941. It is only through the power of Jesus inside of these people that this was even remotely possible. Anger is fuming and boiling over and somehow we just want to get back at people. Proverbs 24:7 says "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles."

What happened both at Pearl Harbor and in NYC, Washington and a field in rural Pennsylvania was unspeakably awful but harboring hate is even worse. Yes we march forward and learn a  lesson and be careful to protect  ourselves and beware of dangers. Proverbs 25:21 says "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." Terrorists like those who attacked us on 9-11-01 will be brought to justice one day. Their acts showed that there is a threat out there who does not like Americans and does not like Christians. Proverbs 24:17 says "Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye."

Matthew 5:44 says "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." "But wait, you say, this is not fair or normal to love someone who has done something really terrible to you". No you  are right, humanly speaking. But we are to operate in a different realm.  People say "well do you pray for dictators?" I guess we are supposed to. Pray that God would give you the supernatural ability to love them and pray for them to come to know Jesus as saviour.

So where is your forgiveness meter registering today? Is there someone who has hurt you and you simply refuse to forgive them? Are you having a hard time dealing with the atrocity of 9-1-1 and simply look at all Muslims with anger? I can imagine it would be hard to forgive someone who had shot and killed your family member or killed them in a car wreck but yet we are not to harbor grudges. What good does it do to hate anyway? It takes strength and courage to move beyond an offense and truly forget and forgive.

Now in the case of this great nation, what happened ten years ago was an unspeakable horror. Many innocent lives were lost. This was not a war where soldiers were maimed and blown up but innocent civilian victims just minding their own business. But yet we are told to forgive and pray for our enemies? By forgiving you are not saying what happened was okay but you are saying "I am giving up my right to hate you for what you did to me." We do not roll over and just say "Okay enemies come on in and attack us." That is why we have a military to protect us. Evil always will try to attack good.

Why does God allow tragedy such as this one? God is sovereign and He did not cause this. He is not evil. He can bring good out of bad and He has and He will. Psalm 9:9 says "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." If you do not know Jesus ask Him in to your heart today. God can turn all evil acts into good. The people that did this to us believe lies from the enemy. God is not their saviour and hate is what rules them.

Genesis 50:20 says "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." We can be praying that  evil people who plotted against America will come to know you as saviour and Lord. It is possible. It would be especially hard for those who lost a loved one to forgive. With the power of the Holy Spirit it can be done.

PRAYER: Father what happened to our country back in 2001 was an indication that evil is out there and has hatred for no other reason than they do not like our way of life. We are not to show this kind of hatred.These enemies were believing lies from Satan. Lord we do need to be aware and be on our guard. Father help those dealing with unforgiveness of any kind be able to release it to you. It is only possible through Christ. Thank you Lord for our freedoms and we pray for those who try to take it away from us. Turn them evil to good and power of darkness to the power of God.Protect us from those who would want to do us harm. Continue to bring comfort to those who lost a loved one in this senseless tragedy. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Turn up your speakers, click the link and enjoy this very patriotic Lee Greenwood song, 'God Bless The USA'! Also please open your Bible and read Psalm 46.
http://youtu.be/tNqUORIFV4I

Sunday, September 11, 2011

TEN YEARS

11 September 2001 most Americans remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when early that day 4 separate commercial jets crashed first into World Trade Centers twin towers then the Pentagon and finally a field in Pennsylvania. There was speculation, until all aircraft were grounded, that more hijacked jets were targeting other sites such as the White House or the U.S. Capitol. Millions stayed glued to news reports on television and radio. What was happening? America was under attack on our own soil the first time since Pearl Harbor in 1941. Life as we knew it had changed forever. Our way of life had been drastically altered. Evil had infiltrated our country and killed thousands of innocent citizens. Secretaries, children, firemen, store clerks, corporate executives, bankers and many others were seemingly vaporized as the towers, in mere seconds, came plummeting to the ground. Prior to that, there was the  graphic horrific scene of people above the 83rd floor hanging out windows and leaping to their death onto the street below. Never before had most people witnessed anything so shocking. Buildings close by the World Trade Center were also damaged such as a Marriot Hotel next to the towers. 

Who would do this and why? We know our country has enemies as we are a free nation and men who do not enjoy this freedom try to disable us and destroy our way of life. We are unique too in that we are founded as a distinctly Christian nation although  there have always been those trying to dispute this fact or change that and make the First amendment to our Constitution seemingly against freedom of religion when in fact it was created to protect religion from the government. 

Americans had been disinterested and 'asleep' at the wheel. Gradually anything to do with Christianity or morality was slowly attacked and outlawed by the government. The Bible was not the centerpiece anymore and in the name of tolerance sin crept in. There were problems but people, to include churches, just sat back and let things happen. So here we were 11 September 2001 putting out a 9-1-1 call to save our land. For the first time Americans of all nationalities,ages, skin color, economic level and backgrounds, Republican and Democrat came together and on 12 September 2001 there was a unique cohesion which was as a result of the tragedy that had unfolded. American flags sold out everywhere. Patriotism was alive and well. But, like the frog in the pot of boiling water, slowly we have let our guard down and once again are under danger of being attacked on our own soil. Fort Hood, Texas, an extremely  secure military base, was case in point when a Muslim soldier, who took an oath which meant nothing to him, attacked and killed his fellow soldiers. We should wake up and realize we have enemies within our own ranks purposely lying and infiltrating our way of life to destroy us and take us down.

We are to love our enemies and pray for them  but also be wise about evil forces in our land trying to destroy us.  Psalm 109:1-13 is good to read when you have a moment. Psalm 35:4 says "Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life .Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me."

Prayer is vitally important in the healing of this land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says "and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." America it is time to listen to God for a change, stop ignoring Him and give Him first place in your life.

PRAYER: Father be with the many families whose lives were drastically affected by the deaths of their family members and friends in the horrible attacks on America on 9-11-01. Father we seek healing for scars and wounds from this day. Many good things grew from the ashes of this day but still many lives were shattered. We ask that you comfort as only you can. We ask father that you wake up the citizens of this land to be aware and alert to danger within our own borders. Help us not fall asleep when danger is lurking at the door. In Jesus name, amen.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

LOVE REVOLUTION

We all probably have people in our lives that 'push our buttons' so to speak. Perhaps we said something once to offend or hurt someone and even though you asked the person to forgive you they just can not let it go  and will not let you back into their 'inner circle'. Some would say move on and cut your losses. Shake the dust from your feet is what it says in God's word in  Matthew 10:14. Romans 12:14 says "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."  Our human instinct is to be angry but God wants us to be bigger than that. He wants us to love this person even if they do not want our love. Heap burning coals on their head it says in Proverbs 25:21-22. " If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you."

 Pray about it and then get your mind off it. Satan is the one wanting you to obsess and reason things out in your head.  Matthew 5:44 says " But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." It is only through the super natural ability given to us through the holy spirit that this is possible. 1 Peter 3:9 says "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." Colossians 3:2 says to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." God can give you the strength to get your mind thinking about something else. It just takes practice and discipline.

If the problem is with a friend or business associate it is different than if you are talking about the offense of a marriage partner, for instance. People today seem so quick to throw in the towel on marriages thus wrecking lives in their wake. Marriages take a bit more of an effort than just praying although that is vitally important. When you have conflict or hurt from a spouse if you intend to fulfill your vows and live happily ever after then you have to talk things out and choose to let it go and forgive. "Love bears all things" as it says in 1 Corinthians 13. Malachi 2:16 simply says "I hate divorce." As a couple, read the Bible and do what it says, simple as that! Treat each other with kindness and respect and learn to overlook an offense.

There you have it. With the Lords' help you can achieve peace in your life and resolve conflict. Keep in mind that Satan is the one out to destroy relationships. If you are hurting because of a broken relationship with a close friend just give it to God and try to let it go. God heals, so let Him.

PRAYER:  Lord I thank you for the gift of friendships. Personalities are different and sometimes conflicts and misunderstanding occur. In my own effort Lord I can try to get forgiveness but if the person refuses to forgive all I can do is give it to you and let it go. In Jesus name ,Amen.

Friday, September 9, 2011

WAIT JUST A MINUTE!!

In this country people always seem to be in a hurry. Unless you are doing something you do not feel productive. This country is very impatient. We are an instant society. Americans are used to instant oatmeal, microwave meals, digital pictures, instant coffee, and quick fixes. It is very hard to wait. We want things to happen and we want them to happen NOW!

Some of the things we have to wait for are answers to prayer,  for a prodigal child to return, for rebellion to cease, traffic tie ups to end, delays in flights at airports, healing of illnesses, plants to grow, outcome of a job interview,waiting for the birth of a child,  for a cake to bake in the oven, saving enough money for a major purchase, hair to grow out,and many other things. If we do not learn to wait we react with stress, offense, anger and Satan can create stumbling blocks to take us away from the Lord. Our walk with the Lord is hindered. We may try to rush things and take matters in our own hands. Not a good idea.

No one  really likes to wait if they would be honest. In one day alone in a period of 30 minutes I had 3 incidents happen that taught me the value of patience. First it was the bank. There was no apparent reason for them to be slow cashing a small check but they were. Next came a fast food restaurant where my coffee took forever it seemed to get to me. Finally a greeting card store where normally they greet you with a cheery "hi can I help you" but this day I was in a hurry no clerk came to my aid for a return. Was the Lord trying to get my attention and teach me a valuable spiritual lesson perhaps?

A familiar Bible verse on waiting is Isaiah 40:31 which says " Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."

Waiting is a spiritual discipline for sure and is a good one for parents to start early training their little ones. Psalm 130:5 says "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."  Pray, trust, wait and believe and in God's timing things will work out.

PRAYER:  Lord I yearn to be at peace and develop patience and a content spirit no matter what the situation. Many times in life we have to wait. Sometimes it is very difficult. Nothing good is easy so Lord as we wait, help our soul seek you with all our hearts in quietness and peace. In Jesus name.  Amen.



Once again here is an awesome praise and worship song from the Hollywood Movie 'Fireproof'. Click on link to listen.

http://youtu.be/xHIqOHU6Dhg

Thursday, September 8, 2011

ENOUGH ALREADY

Why is it some people can not stop worrying? You may say you don't worry and you trust God but you can not seem to let go of certain things in your life and let God totally have the controls.  There is nothing we can do to change or push along a situation so it is best to just trust God for the outcome to things and know God has the best plan ever! When we try to orchestrate things and reason things out in our heads it does nothing more than get us all fretful and causes us to lose our peace.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you."  So do it! Easier said than done. It takes daily discipline and a whole hearted commitment to give God the controls and let Him be in the drivers' seat.

The thing  you can do is to pray. And keep praying and do not give up. Luke 18:1 says " Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Our enemy, Satan, wants to keep us in a tizzy. The enemy wants us to lose our peace, as then, if we are all worried we can not be effective for the Lord. Make up your mind today you will allow God to take your burdens and not take them back. When you catch yourself starting to fret say "Jesus I need your help. I know you have a plan. Forgive me. I do not want to worry. Give me your perfect peace."

PRAYER: Lord I  thank you for the plan you have for my life and that of my family members. So when I start to get anxious and wonder what is next 'around the bend' so to speak help me to trust you and stop and pray. in Jesus Name. Amen!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!

The Bible has much to say about lying. We seem to live in a time when lying, even by government officials, is common place. This should not be the case. If only people followed the Ten Commandments, but as you know they are outlawed in most places. It is sad to me that this very important area of life is not held up even by our own national leaders.

I will go over some of the verses in God's word about the issue of lying. First of all, if we had not taken the Ten Commandments out of schools we would have a standard of right and wrong and young people would grow up and know it is wrong to lie.Parents can still teach their children what is right and wrong. Thankfully that has not been outlawed yet. Anti Christian forces have gotten their way and have taken away references to God that have shaped this country and the integrity of its' people. Even the ivy league schools up in the Northeastern US were founded on Biblical principles but now all of them have gotten so far away from their roots. This is what happens when we allow sin to seep in and do not speak up. We need to pray for an awakening of Godly principles to infiltrate those institutions who put God on the back burner.

Proverbs 16:13 says "The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly." Proverbs 6:16-19 says "There are six things the Lord hates,seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

Notice those in court today who have to place their hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth so help them God. Well we know this does not happen in many cases. In the military service a similar oath is taken. An oath is to be a promise but so many today take promises lightly take for instance how many marriage vows are broken and shattered lives are left in the wake.

Honesty and truthfulness need to make a comeback for the sake of mankind. Proverbs 26:28 says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin." If one lie is told another lie has to be told to make up for the first lie. There is no such thing as a 'little white lie'. Be honest 100% or you are telling lies. There is no way around it. Americans who are raised using God's standard, the Bible, know the truth will set us free. (See John 8:31-32). Today in our nation we are infiltrated by many who lie routinely and see nothing wrong with it and in the case of those using the Qur'an feel justified in their lying to the infidel, which are you and me if we follow Jesus. Lying is wrong.  End of story. If you are a follower of Christ or live in this country and take an oath you are to follow the oath and be truthful. Satan is out there though seeking to defeat the Christian and the truth.

Exodus 20:16 is the Ten Commandment that says "Thou shalt not lie". Lying is wrong. Dishonesty is terribly wrong .But if you grow up and do not have a standard for what is right and wrong then of course anything goes and what does a little lie hurt anyway? Psalm 120:2 says "Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues." For anyone who has ever been hurt by a lie you know how important this verse is. Lying has sent innocent men and women to jail. Lying has hurt reputations. Lying has broken up couples. Lying has caused people to lose their jobs. Lying has ruined friendships. Lying has made marriages end in divorce. The devil is the father of lies. John 8:44 says "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

Psalm 31:18 says "Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous." If you have anyone in your life who spreads falsehoods about you just pray about them. God will deal with them. Psalm 109:2 says "for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues." God is the judge in the end and the truth will always come out. Proverbs 12:22 says "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

Today make it a point to be truthful in all you say and do. Truthfulness extends to business dealings, doing taxes, being honest with those you work with and for, and your friends. A lie is just that, a lie.

PRAYER: Father if I have ever lied I ask your forgiveness. If my mouth has ever hurt anyone for that too I ask for forgiveness. Help me to seek to always say what is true. To never stretch the truth or say what I think people want to hear. I want to be honest in my speech and character.We pray for those who want to hurt us with their lies too. May you deal with them in your own way Lord . In Jesus Name. Amen. 


(Assignment today is to read Psalm 5.)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

YOUR DAY LORD

Do you ever wake up gloomy? Do you let others problems and attitudes steal your joy?Do you dread going to work? Each day is a gift from God and each day has new things in store for you and those you will cross paths with. Do not let Satan drag you down into his 'woe is me' pity pit. Get up and get going! The Bible says  in Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made I shall rejoice and be glad in it!" Say it over and over out loud and believe it .No matter what your outside circumstances are at home, at work or wherever you are, do not allow them get your depressed and forlorn. All of us have much to be grateful for. Do not harbor ill feelings or anger towards some one or it will only tend to take your focus off God and get you all worked up and take your peace away. Start the day right and say "Satan no matter what you try to throw at me this day I choose to be joyful. I choose to love even those people who may not love me. I choose to have a right attifude even when I am feeling sorry for myself. I choose to be thankful and look for the good in things. I purpose in my heart to look forward and not behind and to find ways to build up other people."

Phillipians 2:5 says "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus". It is my guess Jesus was not sitting around worrying about all the details of life. We need to try to be more Christlike and try to emulate him wouldn't you say.

Wake up today and decide to be joyful. Make up your mind no matter what happens you will maintain peace and joy.

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for giving me this day to enjoy and serve you. Forgive me if I have been a whiner and not been grateful for where you have me in life. Help me to not compare myself to others or wish for something else. Thanks for exactly where I am here and now. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: once again turn up your speakers and worship God as you listen to the song I have included.

http://youtu.be/nf6kPsDm7B0

Monday, September 5, 2011

WORK HARD

Many who work for pay are off today due to the Labor Day holiday.What better time to write a devotion about hard work than this day off for many. Since the beginning of time man has had to work. In the garden of Eden, God originally had wonderful plans for Adam and Eve but you know the story. By being disobedient and messing up, so to speak, they ended up being cursed and changing the good things God had planned. Genesis 3:1-24 relates the story but read verse 17-19 which says "To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you,  and you will eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your brow  you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”  From then on man has had to toil, pull weeds from his garden and do hard manual work.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." I do not feel it was God's design to have everyone getting food stamps if they are healthy and able to provide for their family. Some are lazy and feel like people owe them something. Sadly our government today tries to demonize successful wealthy people who worked hard to achieve by depicting them as spoiled rich people. Proverbs 10:4 says "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." Genesis 2:15 says "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Ecclesiastes 10:18 says "Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house." This verse hit home for me this past Saturday as we were trying to leave for a weekend road trip and had a water main break. My husband can do almost any repair job and is not lazy and was able to repair it. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus! Proverbs 12:24 says "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor."

1 Timothy 5:8 says "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." If you are the head of the family it is your duty to take care of your family. Teach your children the value of hard work, diligence and providing for the future.

A wise person will plan ahead and save money for when he has an emergency or is out of work. Putting aside a little money each month is a smart thing to do. Proverbs 6:6-8 says "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Notice an ant hill sometime. Those tiny creatures never rest. They carry huge loads on their tiny backs to build their ant hills and take food to their family.

For the believer we should have a good work ethic. Just because it is five o'clock does not mean you will not help someone if the phone at your office rings at the last minute. You are working for the Lord anyway not for man. Seek to bring honor to the company you work for by being honest and honorable. Colossians 3:23 should be every believers 'job description' and it says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Set a good example. Go beyond the call of duty as they say in the military. Ecclesiastes 3:22 tells us "So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?"

Enjoy your life. Love what you do. I love the motto for the 'Life is Good' company which says "Do what you like, like what you do." Most of us are also familiar with the childrens' book, 'The Little Red Hen' which is a work ethic book of sorts for little ones. No one wanted to help the little red hen work but they all wanted to enjoy the fruits of the hens' labor.

Many complain about their work but if you are employed in todays' world you have much to be thankful for, and better yet, if you are in a job you love that is even greater.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "In all things to give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

PRAYER: Father I am thankful for the ability to work. I pray for those people who are out of work through no fault of their own and are looking for a job. Open up jobs for those who need them. If any reading this have been made to feel they are too old to work because of society and they really want a job help them have the courage to go for it. Help those who do have jobs to work at them with joy and to remember to be a 'missionary ' of sorts right there where God has placed them. Thank you for the blessing of a free society in the United States. For any reading this from nations not free I pray for bondage's to be broken. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

NEW CREATION


2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" When you accept Christ and give your heart to the Lord you feel different. You may not stop doing everything bad and we all have sin in our lives. But old things pass away and we are to forget the past and to start to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Life is not going to be perfect. You will still mess up and still have things to work on. Only Jesus is without sin.

God can help set you free from sins that have been weighing on you. You only need trust Him and ask Him to take the controls of your life. Once you have asked Jesus to 'take the wheel' as the country song says, there will still be rough times but you will know who to call on to help get you through the bad times and to be able to rejoice in the good times.

For this writer, when I rededicated my life many years ago to the Lord, I had a hunger for the word of God. All of a sudden I wanted to know more. I was on a journey to learn what God's word had for me.

If you are not sure that you are saved or born again you can be sure today. Say "Jesus come into my heart. I hear you knocking at the door of my heart and I want to let you in. Forgive me for my sins and help me Lord as I seek to learn to be Christlike in the things I say and do. I want to live for you and serve you. Thank you for coming into my life. Amen."

After this if you are not in a good 'on fire' Bible believing church you need to find one so you can grow in the Lord. If you do not stay connected to the 'vine' you will whither. For those of us who have been saved and walking with the Lord already we too need to remember to stay connected to the source of nourishment, the Bible, or we too are in danger of not growing and wilting. Stay growing for Christ by feeding on the word of God. For starters read John Chapter one.

John 15:5 says "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Phillipians 3:13 says "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead".

PRAYER: Father I want to live for you and serve you. Come in to my heart today and take control.In Jesus Name. Amen.

Praise song: An oldie but goodie 'More Than Wonderful' sung by Sandi Patti and Larnelle Harris
http://youtu.be/Zvmly122rqc

To help find a Bible teaching church if you have no clue where to start click on link below:
http://www.flockfinder.com/